Utah quarterback turned safety Corbin Louks will be leaving Utah to transfer to the University of Nevada Reno UteZone has learned. Louks did not show up at practice on Tuesday morning and it was announced by SID Liz Abel immediately following the team scrimmage that his intentions were to leave.

Louks had been tagged as one of the favorites to land the No. 1 job at quarterback coming out of spring camp, but faced stiff competition from junior college transfer Terrance Cain and true freshman Jordan Wynn once fall camp started. For Louks, things went from bad to worse when he was relegated to the bottom of the depth chart at third string in the quarterback pecking order after the first fall camp scrimmage.

Louks had seen considerable game experience the previous two seasons under Brian Johnson with a set of designed run plays and was the fan sentimental favorite to win the starting job this fall. Louks will have to sit out for a year per NCAA rules, but has a redshirt available which he will most likely use.

"I plan to transfer and I feel it is best for the team that I don't drag things out," said Louks. "The team needs to concentrate on the game with Utah State and I don't want to be a distraction. Transferring will give me the opportunity to play a position I know and love. I've really enjoyed my two years here at Utah and have made some lifelong friends. I want to thank the coaches, players and fans for all their support."

Coach Kyle Whittingham thanked Louks for his contribution to the team the past two seasons. "We appreciate the contributions that Corbin has made to our program," said Whittingham. "The role he played for us the last two seasons was definitely a factor in our success. We wish him nothing but the best in all his future endeavors."